Touch the grass and let the life seep into you

Let the breeze fill your lungs

Garnish your braids with glitter and ribbons

Proudly display your school’s emblem

Smell the fresh white outlines marking the course

The cowbells sing in your ears

Start your watch and look down at every mile marker

Huddle in prayer with your girls

But don’t let the nerves sweep you away just yet

Bask in the last five months of training

Carve the bus ride in your memories

Let yourself free fall in the excitement

Don’t wish this moment away

It’s the first race of the season